Five Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Glass Hardware

Glass is a popular choice of material for upgrading your home, whether for a stylish shower enclosure or elegant shelving, balustrades or display cabinets. However, if you are installing these features yourself, it is crucial that you select the right glass hardware products to support them.

The wrong choice can mean the difference between a feature that is functional, durable and beautiful, and one that is difficult to use, visually unappealing, or even hazardous. Here are some of the most common glass hardware mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not checking compatibility with glass thickness

The glass component should be as close a match as possible to the thickness of the glass. For example, a 12mm stainless steel U channel will be suitable for supporting glass shower screens of equivalent thickness. Do not be tempted to re-use existing U channels, hinges or clamps during a bathroom upgrade if they are not an exact fit. 

This will compromise the safety and stability of the glass, and make the feature awkward and dangerous to use. Always measure up carefully, or check the manufacturers' instructions, or ask for tailored advice from your supplier if you have any queries. 

Not focusing on the balance of style and functionality

Obviously, the glass components need to be the correct size for the job, and made from high-quality durable materials. However, this does not mean that you need to compromise on aesthetics, especially in areas where the fixtures will be highly visible, such as bathrooms. 

For components such as hinges, brackets and handles, look for finishes that complement the rest of the fittings. For example, if you polished chrome taps and towel rails, look for components with this finish to create a sense of visual harmony throughout the space. Other popular finishes include brushed brass, matte black or polished nickel. 

Choosing budget products over quality

It might be tempting to order the cheapest glass component products that you can find, particularly if you are making costly bathroom renovations on a tight budget. However, this can prove to be a false economy over time, because low-cost components might be of questionable quality.

For example, they are more likely to be made from interior materials that are prone to corrosion and rust, especially in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms. They can even be dangerous if they become loose or wear down quickly, compromising the stability and level of support to the glass structure. 

Look for products that are made from stainless steel, solid brass or anodised aluminium. These high quality materials will ensure that your glass features function properly and are safe and durable. The glass hardware will also be less likely to develop corrosion and unsightly stains and rust spots.

Not considering maintenance and cleaning

Bathrooms are notorious for being the most difficult room in the house to keep clean, particularly if you have a family. They are used heavily, and surfaces quickly accumulate fingerprints, soap scum, and water marks. The finishes you choose for your glass hardware can play a role in keeping your cleaning chores to a minimum.

For example, brushed metal finishes are better for hiding fingerprints and watermarks than polished ones. Simple rounded designs are easier to clean, because there are fewer corners and crevices to accumulate dirt and mould. Think about creating a low-maintenance space with durable features that will be easy to take care of. 

Not considering the weight of the glass fitting properly

Glass is a heavy material, especially toughened or laminated glass that tends to be thicker than regular glass. If you are installing wall-mounted features such as shelves or mirrors, it’s crucial that the hardware is of sufficient quality and strength to support them. 

Look for heavy duty clamps and brackets for shelves that are compatible with the maximum recommended weight for the product. When hanging a mirror, look for fixings that are appropriate for the size and weight of the product, and options such as deep channels or hidden fixings so you don’t need to compromise on aesthetics.